New York Rangers: 5 Lineup decisions that could dictate the season

Power play personnel

Larry Brooks wrote in Friday’s New York Post “imports Anthony DeAngelo and David Desharnais have roles on the man advantage units Kevin Hayes, Jimmy Vesey and Brady Skjei don’t.”

The Rangers have not been a consistent power play unit the past several seasons. The team was tied for 10th in power play conversion percentage last season at 20.2%.

The team was not consistent because it did not have personnel suited for the power man advantage. Now, coach Vigneault may be overcompensating by putting too many specialists on the power play.

Brady Skjei had seven of his 39 points in limited time on the power play. Skjei is much better-suited skill wise than Ryan McDonagh is for time on the man advantage. Skjei passes better than McDonagh and is more confident with the puck.

What concerns me is what role Desharnais has on the powerplay. The center had two points on the power play in 49 games last season with Edmonton and Montreal. Desharnais minute time on the powerplay doesn’t inspire confidence, especially if it comes at the detriment of minutes for either Hayes or Skjei.

Brooks also mentioned DeAngelo, a right-handed defenseman with an acumen for offensive play. If DeAngelo cracks the starting lineup, he should be on the powerplay.

Shattenkirk is a lock for the number one power play unit, who he’ll play with will probably be a year-long work in progress.